Celebrating 10 years of a great partnership with Allens Arthur Robinson

The Fitzroy Legal Service (FLS) in conjunction with Allens Arthur Robinson (Allens) celebrated ten years of a successful partnership which has produced the only community law articled clerkship in Victoria. We were very fortunate to have her honour Justice Virginia Bell of the High Court speak at the celebration.

Justice Virginia Bell is the first community lawyer to rise to the rank of Justice of the High Court. Justice Bell spoke of the early days of the community legal movement and the lack of resources available. She commended the advances made since the 1970s and the openness that now exists between the top end of town law firms and the community legal sector.

Past, present and future articled clerks were photographed with Justice Bell marking the achievement the community law movement has achieved since it nascent days in the 1970s, when it was viewed as an anomaly.

The Fitzroy Legal Service community law articled clerkship (now known as a traineeship) has its origins in the Albert Park battle against the Grand Prix. Costs awarded against the Victoria Police in the “Save Albert Park” campaign funded the first trial community articled clerkship. In 1999 Allens was approached to partner with FLS to continue the traineeship. Ten young law graduates have since undergone the program, receiving training in social activism, law reform and advocacy, criminal and family law all within the context of human rights and social justice. Adrian Kennedy, the managing solicitor at FLS, noted the program is very competitive and attracts top talent who go on to obtain great roles in the social justice sector.

FLS thanks her honour Justice Bell for the privilege of attending our celebration and to Allens for hosting the event.

Top image: Her Honour Justice Virginia Bell

Middle image:10 years of article clerks:from Left to right:Abby Ogada-Osir, Kira Leven, Claire Weigall, Su Robertson, Her Honour Justice Bell, Joel Orenstein, Stan Winford, Jenny Anderson, Nareeda Lewers.

Bottom Image: Left to right: Hugh de Kretser, Executive Officer Federation of Community Legal Centres, Adrian Kennedy, Principal Solicitor Fitzroy Legal Service, Her Honour Justice Bell, Sarah Matheson, Staff Partner Allens Arthur Robinson